From KVUE: A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Central Texas through Wednesday afternoon. Sleet and freezing rain have been falling this morning across much of our area. With temperatures already below freezing, much of this is sticking to roads. Trucks continue to sand bridges and overpasses as wet, freezing weather holds the area in its grasp.
Unfortunately, when you work from home, ice days don't give you a day off. Bummer. That is, UNLESS you can finagle a way to put off today what you're sure can be done tomorrow.
On the agenda for today:
1. Bake cookies with the kids.
2. Eat cookies with the kids.
3. Make hot cocoa with the kids.
4. Drink hot cocoa with the kids.
5. Slide down the icy street a few times and hope to stay in one piece with the kids.
6. Read my book by the fire, alone.
What I really should be doing today:
1. Writing four easements that are due by Thursday.
2. Mopping and vacuuming the trapped-indoors-due-to-bad-weather furry floors the dogs have created the past few days.
3. Cleaning up the trapped-indoors-due-to-bad-weather mess the kids have created the past few days.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Monday, January 15, 2007
White stuff
Couldn't sleep this morning, I suppose it had something to do with the change in weather. Ok, I guess I don't just "suppose"...I'll confess, I'm a child at heart, the thought that snow might blow through while I lay sleeping weighed heavily on my mind. That along with pitter patter of sleet on the deck out back. I tried so hard to go back to sleep, but my mind continued to throw visions of snow covered trees my way. Finally, I couldn't stand it any longer, I had to go see. I peeled the warm covers back and stepped in to the bitter air as I tiptoe-ran to the window to see what mother nature had in store. Yes, there is white stuff! Snow, I don't know, and I guess it doesn't matter. White stuff is all I hoped to see and white stuff there was a-plenty. I ran back to bed, after murmering something to sleeping Mark, in hopes that maybe I could share this with someone. :) I guess I woke him, and if it wasn't for my chattiness, I'm sure he would have dozed off immediately, but nevertheless, I am a native Austinite, and by golly if it's white out there, this girls-a-chattin. Sweet Mark, never misses a beat, he did what he had to do, listened to me yammer about whatever there is to yammer about in the wee hours of a white morning and eventually I fell back asleep.
Today was a lazy white day. It turns out the white stuff was, in fact sleet, not snow, but it'll do. We still have a 40% chance all day today and tomorrow, so there's a little hope left. School is cancelled for tomorrow, and Ashley's plan for Kelly to get iced in at our house panned out just like she hoped. Gotta love the bad weather days. It wasn't that long ago that I remember planning my own little "get iced in" scheme with Dana and Skye. Brings back some great memories.
Today was a lazy white day. It turns out the white stuff was, in fact sleet, not snow, but it'll do. We still have a 40% chance all day today and tomorrow, so there's a little hope left. School is cancelled for tomorrow, and Ashley's plan for Kelly to get iced in at our house panned out just like she hoped. Gotta love the bad weather days. It wasn't that long ago that I remember planning my own little "get iced in" scheme with Dana and Skye. Brings back some great memories.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Dear Fox: Please don't cancel this show!
My new Favorite TV show: Til Death
Mark and I finally sat down to watch for the first time last night and we laughed our butts off. Or at least we should have. It took a while before we allowed ourselves to laugh out loud. Secrets were revealed, so some laughter had to be contained in order to protect the innocent. This is an amazingly witty and frighteningly truthful depiction of the comparison between newlyweds and not so newlyweds. Ladies and Gents, the truth is out. PLEASE WATCH, this show CANNOT GET CANCELLED!!
From Fox.com:
Why do they say all that stuff at weddings about “sickness and health, richer or poorer, ‘til death do you part?” They say it because at some point, you’ll both get sick, you very well might be poor, and you’ll never sleep with anyone else ever again … because you’re going to be with each other until you die.
Doesn’t marriage sound fun?
‘TIL DEATH is a comedy about long-married couple EDDIE (Brad Garrett) and JOY STARK (Joely Fisher), who are closing in on day 9,000 of their marriage and have the battle scars to prove it. Their new next-door neighbors are young newlyweds STEPH (Kat Foster) and JEFF WOODCOCK (Eddie Kaye Thomas) – idealistic, passionate, adorable and married for a matter of days. It’s a show about new marriage versus old marriage, about keeping the romance alive – or at least staying together so you have someone to drive you to the hospital for your operations.
Eddie is a cynical realist who considers himself an expert on most topics. A high school history teacher, he’s learned well the lessons of history and applies the basic principles to his marriage: all fights are about power, land and resources. A veteran of the marriage wars, Eddie freely gives his advice to the younger, idealistic Jeff, who’s the new vice principal at Eddie’s school. Of course, Eddie’s little secret all along is that he loves Joy more than anything. And however brash and sardonic Joy herself appears, she loves Eddie right back.
From Sony Pictures Television, ‘TIL DEATH was written by real-life husband and wife Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa (“The King of Queens,” “What Women Want,” “13 Going On 30”), who also serve as executive producers. They look forward to being together ‘TIL DEATH.
Mark and I finally sat down to watch for the first time last night and we laughed our butts off. Or at least we should have. It took a while before we allowed ourselves to laugh out loud. Secrets were revealed, so some laughter had to be contained in order to protect the innocent. This is an amazingly witty and frighteningly truthful depiction of the comparison between newlyweds and not so newlyweds. Ladies and Gents, the truth is out. PLEASE WATCH, this show CANNOT GET CANCELLED!!
From Fox.com:
Why do they say all that stuff at weddings about “sickness and health, richer or poorer, ‘til death do you part?” They say it because at some point, you’ll both get sick, you very well might be poor, and you’ll never sleep with anyone else ever again … because you’re going to be with each other until you die.
Doesn’t marriage sound fun?
‘TIL DEATH is a comedy about long-married couple EDDIE (Brad Garrett) and JOY STARK (Joely Fisher), who are closing in on day 9,000 of their marriage and have the battle scars to prove it. Their new next-door neighbors are young newlyweds STEPH (Kat Foster) and JEFF WOODCOCK (Eddie Kaye Thomas) – idealistic, passionate, adorable and married for a matter of days. It’s a show about new marriage versus old marriage, about keeping the romance alive – or at least staying together so you have someone to drive you to the hospital for your operations.
Eddie is a cynical realist who considers himself an expert on most topics. A high school history teacher, he’s learned well the lessons of history and applies the basic principles to his marriage: all fights are about power, land and resources. A veteran of the marriage wars, Eddie freely gives his advice to the younger, idealistic Jeff, who’s the new vice principal at Eddie’s school. Of course, Eddie’s little secret all along is that he loves Joy more than anything. And however brash and sardonic Joy herself appears, she loves Eddie right back.
From Sony Pictures Television, ‘TIL DEATH was written by real-life husband and wife Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa (“The King of Queens,” “What Women Want,” “13 Going On 30”), who also serve as executive producers. They look forward to being together ‘TIL DEATH.
Report Cards
After Ashley's first basketball game yesterday we took her for a celebratory lunch at the location of her choice. Her choice? Luby's. Straight A's once again. Not a simple feat, even for a 5th grader. This was a tough 8 weeks for her, she had 10 absences, more than she's ever had in an entire school year, possibly 2 years combined. Yet she was responsible enough to ask for her makeup work and get it done. She's turning in to such a responsible, intelligent kid.
We're still trying to find her real parents. ;)
We're still trying to find her real parents. ;)
Friday, January 12, 2007
Bittersweet Goodbyes
Today Joe came to take sweet Ally back. I already miss sweet Ally Baby Girl so much, it's just not the same without her.
Basketball
Ash had her first practice lastnight. She did so well. A little nervous at first, but that's to be expected. By the end of the night she had relaxed and was having a good time. She's one of only three 5th graders on the team, all of the other girls are in the 6th grade, very experienced and all knew one another, so her antimidation was only natural. She really is such a good sport, she goes out there and just keeps on truckin despite being inexperienced and knowing no one. I was so proud of her! Her first game is Saturday, and she's so excited that she wore her uniform to school today.
She has informed me that after basketball season she really, really wants to play football. Yes, football. She's been asking to play football for over a year now, and I think I'm gonna have to give in before too long.
She has informed me that after basketball season she really, really wants to play football. Yes, football. She's been asking to play football for over a year now, and I think I'm gonna have to give in before too long.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Ashley's new line on the wall
Less than six months ago the line was two inches lower.
My baby girl is now 5'1".
My baby girl is now 5'1".
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Ode to bacon grease
Oh how I love thee!
You give us a delightful flavor the morning of your birth, a flavor that if captured continues to be savored for meals to come. I once considered you bad and unhealthy and fattening and artery clogging and despicable, but your flavor has cast a spell on me. I will cook with you, seek out recipes for you and feed you to your biggest fan of us all, my bacon savoring husband, whom your spell was cast upon many moons ago. I won't fret about how unsightly you are when you are resting in the bottom of the old sauce jar, I will scoop you and close my eyes until you awake, and then I cook with you, and eat you. I will do more crunches, more walking and eat an extra helping of veggies just to have you. You are the almighty and shall have a shelf of your own in the Urben kitchen.
You give us a delightful flavor the morning of your birth, a flavor that if captured continues to be savored for meals to come. I once considered you bad and unhealthy and fattening and artery clogging and despicable, but your flavor has cast a spell on me. I will cook with you, seek out recipes for you and feed you to your biggest fan of us all, my bacon savoring husband, whom your spell was cast upon many moons ago. I won't fret about how unsightly you are when you are resting in the bottom of the old sauce jar, I will scoop you and close my eyes until you awake, and then I cook with you, and eat you. I will do more crunches, more walking and eat an extra helping of veggies just to have you. You are the almighty and shall have a shelf of your own in the Urben kitchen.
Just a Mom
I have read this numerous times over the years, and each time I read it I smile, I spose that makes it blog worthy....
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a......?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,"
said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the
same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it?
I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most signific a nt words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
[what mother doesn't)
in the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the hu manities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and
the rewards are
more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished
and indispensable to mankind than
"just another Mom." Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research associates in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations"
and great grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Associates"?
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
"Associate Research Assistants".
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a......?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.
"I'm a Mom."
"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,"
said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the
same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."
"What is your occupation?" she probed.
What made me say it?
I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most signific a nt words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
[what mother doesn't)
in the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the hu manities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and
the rewards are
more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished
and indispensable to mankind than
"just another Mom." Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research associates in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations"
and great grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Associates"?
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
"Associate Research Assistants".
Catch of the day # 1,453,201
I had to make a trip to the office yesterday for a meeting. So yeah, I had to stop in at one of my favorite Goodwill's that happens to be right across the street from the office.
My catch of the day:
Pocket V.Smile (with 1 game)
Portable educational game system for on the go, or can be hooked up to the TV.
Jamie's price: $9.99
Target's price: $69.99
Practice and Learn 6th Grade
6th grade workbook that includes Grammar, Reading and Lit., Spelling, Scicence, Social Studies, and Math
Jamie's price: $.99
Teachers Paradise: $18.99
And one other thing...I found a box of solid wood flooring that just happens to be exactly the flooring in the background of the above picture, same brand and color. We intended to buy a box of this to have on hand incase we needed to make repairs in the future, but we found out Home Depot no longer carries it. Soooo, I walk in to my favorite store and wowzas, there it is, an entire box.
Wood Flooring
Jamie's price: $12.99
Price tag on the box: $55.00
At Goodwill they have a date code at the top of each price tag, I thought it was interesting that I probably bought one of the newest items on the shelf and one of the oldest items as well. The V.Smile was priced yesterday (the day of my purchase) and the wood flooring was priced 6 years ago! HA! It was waiting for me! I cannot walk through the doors of a goodwill and come out without a story, it never fails.
My catch of the day:
Pocket V.Smile (with 1 game)
Portable educational game system for on the go, or can be hooked up to the TV.
Jamie's price: $9.99
Target's price: $69.99
Practice and Learn 6th Grade
6th grade workbook that includes Grammar, Reading and Lit., Spelling, Scicence, Social Studies, and Math
Jamie's price: $.99
Teachers Paradise: $18.99
And one other thing...I found a box of solid wood flooring that just happens to be exactly the flooring in the background of the above picture, same brand and color. We intended to buy a box of this to have on hand incase we needed to make repairs in the future, but we found out Home Depot no longer carries it. Soooo, I walk in to my favorite store and wowzas, there it is, an entire box.
Wood Flooring
Jamie's price: $12.99
Price tag on the box: $55.00
At Goodwill they have a date code at the top of each price tag, I thought it was interesting that I probably bought one of the newest items on the shelf and one of the oldest items as well. The V.Smile was priced yesterday (the day of my purchase) and the wood flooring was priced 6 years ago! HA! It was waiting for me! I cannot walk through the doors of a goodwill and come out without a story, it never fails.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Normalcy
The holidays are officially over. This is not such a bad thing. I'm always so anxious for the holidays to get here so I can decorate, bake, spend more time with the fam, celebrate with traditions, etc., but by the time it's all over, and things begin to get back to normal, normalcy is quite a welcome change. Gone are the days of staying up til midnight and waking up at 10. (although Alex is still adjusting, he slept until 10 yesterday morning)
Yesterday, I was up before 7, and quite honestly, I was glad to have my morning back. On a typical weekday morning I wake up around 7ish, see Ash off to school at 7:30 and then I'm all alone until the boy wakes up. This is when I get a big chunck of work out of the way. I typically get in about an hour and a half of work before Alex gets up. My reward is my nice warm cup of joe, which happens to be keeping me company as I type this entry. If I miss this morning routine, like I have for the last two weeks, my schedule gets totally thrown off. So if a dog barks, whines, wags it's tail to hard, or does anything more than lie quietly still on the floor while I'm engrossed in this routine, I'm like a mother of a newborn shushing any possibilty of a waking boy.
Good bye Ho, ho, ho, hello hi, ho, hi, ho. (Gosh I make me laugh)
So here I am once again, wrapped cozily in my routines with a pile of work in front of me waiting to be done.
On the agenda for today:
1. My hair appt.! Yay! I'm way overdue for a cut and highlights.
2. Ashley's dentist appt.
3. Meeting dad to drop the boy off for a few days.
4. A short meeting up at work.
Yesterday, I was up before 7, and quite honestly, I was glad to have my morning back. On a typical weekday morning I wake up around 7ish, see Ash off to school at 7:30 and then I'm all alone until the boy wakes up. This is when I get a big chunck of work out of the way. I typically get in about an hour and a half of work before Alex gets up. My reward is my nice warm cup of joe, which happens to be keeping me company as I type this entry. If I miss this morning routine, like I have for the last two weeks, my schedule gets totally thrown off. So if a dog barks, whines, wags it's tail to hard, or does anything more than lie quietly still on the floor while I'm engrossed in this routine, I'm like a mother of a newborn shushing any possibilty of a waking boy.
Good bye Ho, ho, ho, hello hi, ho, hi, ho. (Gosh I make me laugh)
So here I am once again, wrapped cozily in my routines with a pile of work in front of me waiting to be done.
On the agenda for today:
1. My hair appt.! Yay! I'm way overdue for a cut and highlights.
2. Ashley's dentist appt.
3. Meeting dad to drop the boy off for a few days.
4. A short meeting up at work.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Random thoughts with Alex
At lunch yesterday with Belinda and Ciara, Alex interjects with a random thought...
"Momma, wouldn't it be sooo cool if Granny Franny moved to Georgetown!?"
I had to post that one for you Fran. Just too sweet to forget. :)
"Momma, wouldn't it be sooo cool if Granny Franny moved to Georgetown!?"
I had to post that one for you Fran. Just too sweet to forget. :)
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Cameron Park Zoo
My ever so thoughtful husband checked the weather early this week and decided to take the day off today and take us to the Zoo in Waco. WHAT A PERFECT DAY. He could not have picked a better day in JANUARY(!). The temperature was in the 70's, there wasn't a cloud to be seen, and the kids were in the BEST moods. It was a perfect day in every way. The kids had no idea where we were going until we pulled in to the parking lot and I made Alex read the sign. As soon as he read the word "ZOO", his adrenaline started in, and didn't quit until we packed it up to leave hours later. They were both so, so excited, they are such animal finatics, they could probably go to the zoo everyday and still be just as excited one day, as they were the next. For starters, let me just say, this zoo, was incredible...I can't tell you how many times Mark and I ooo-ed and ahhh-ed about how well this place was laid out. Every detail was taken in to account. The animals had amazing habitats, yet, the visitors could be right up front. On top of all this, the park was sooo quiet. I guess everyone is still recovering from the holidays, and probably assuming that January is not a good month to even attempt a trip to the zoo. (Kinda like me!) This made for a very laid back momma and daddy.
So...the animals...our first close up encounter was with the bear. The bears had an amazing set up, lots of space out in the open, grass, trees, hills etc. and then a enclosed cavelike area with a pool. We walked down a small hill where we found a clear wall that revealed the interior of the cave, including an underwater view. The bear just happend to be in the most playful of moods as we walked up. He was swimming back and forth from the window to land, he would come right up to us and his nose would smash on the glass in a playful way, he'd look right at us as if he were a playful dog, and then he'd swim back to land, stand up shake of and get back in the water and cruise back to us again. He did this over and over. The kids got to be face to face with this swimming bear. It was an amazing experience.
Our next encounter was with the tiger. Once again, the kids were face to face with the tiger. He walked in front of the glass back and forth the entire time we were there. We were the only family there, so we had full view and the kids could sit right up next to the glass and watch. It was absolutely incredible!
Then we headed to the lion enclosure. What a gorgeous habitat. Plenty of hills and rocks, a very natural environment. When we first walked up the lion was all the way at the other side, in full view, but very far away. Within minutes he had walked over and was eye to eye with us in front of the glass. And after pacing in front of us for a minute or so, he actually started ROARING some 6 inches in front of our faces. Full on roars, just like you'd imagine a lion would roar. It was incredible. At some point during all the roaring I looked over at my 30 something husband and saw a little boys face, a completely frozen expression...jaw completey dropped open, eyes bugged out, with the most childlike look of amazement on his face. I so wish I could have taken a picture of that face. It was priceless.
Our entire visit was just amazing. All of the animals were in the best mood, we had full view of every one. The giraffes were RIGHT in front of us, the monkeys, the Galapogos Turtles, the lemurs, the Alligators, Mir Cats, etc. The list goes on. It was just an amazing day for us. I can't even begin to tell you how many "Thank You's" we got from the moment we walked in the zoo. Even the trip home was filled with sweet appreciation.
So...the animals...our first close up encounter was with the bear. The bears had an amazing set up, lots of space out in the open, grass, trees, hills etc. and then a enclosed cavelike area with a pool. We walked down a small hill where we found a clear wall that revealed the interior of the cave, including an underwater view. The bear just happend to be in the most playful of moods as we walked up. He was swimming back and forth from the window to land, he would come right up to us and his nose would smash on the glass in a playful way, he'd look right at us as if he were a playful dog, and then he'd swim back to land, stand up shake of and get back in the water and cruise back to us again. He did this over and over. The kids got to be face to face with this swimming bear. It was an amazing experience.
Our next encounter was with the tiger. Once again, the kids were face to face with the tiger. He walked in front of the glass back and forth the entire time we were there. We were the only family there, so we had full view and the kids could sit right up next to the glass and watch. It was absolutely incredible!
Then we headed to the lion enclosure. What a gorgeous habitat. Plenty of hills and rocks, a very natural environment. When we first walked up the lion was all the way at the other side, in full view, but very far away. Within minutes he had walked over and was eye to eye with us in front of the glass. And after pacing in front of us for a minute or so, he actually started ROARING some 6 inches in front of our faces. Full on roars, just like you'd imagine a lion would roar. It was incredible. At some point during all the roaring I looked over at my 30 something husband and saw a little boys face, a completely frozen expression...jaw completey dropped open, eyes bugged out, with the most childlike look of amazement on his face. I so wish I could have taken a picture of that face. It was priceless.
Our entire visit was just amazing. All of the animals were in the best mood, we had full view of every one. The giraffes were RIGHT in front of us, the monkeys, the Galapogos Turtles, the lemurs, the Alligators, Mir Cats, etc. The list goes on. It was just an amazing day for us. I can't even begin to tell you how many "Thank You's" we got from the moment we walked in the zoo. Even the trip home was filled with sweet appreciation.
Friday, January 05, 2007
The Cleaning Fairy Came!
Let me preface this by saying that this was Ashley's idea. We are not slave drivers and do not break child labor laws. (only on weekends)
Now this is OCD at it's finest. If you could have seen this room before Ashley got ahold of it...it was awful, the messiest Alex's room has ever been in all 5 of his years. Every surface dusted not once, but TWICE, floor vacuumed not once, but TWICE, and all toys and clothes neatly organized. She did a lot of practical rearranging too...but wait, look at that closet again, this is the scary part (no not the overflowing laundry basket that I couldn't manage to crop)...all of the shirts are arranged by color. Long sleeves on the left, short on the right, perfectly color coordinated. Should we start therapy now, or wait until puberty?
Now this is OCD at it's finest. If you could have seen this room before Ashley got ahold of it...it was awful, the messiest Alex's room has ever been in all 5 of his years. Every surface dusted not once, but TWICE, floor vacuumed not once, but TWICE, and all toys and clothes neatly organized. She did a lot of practical rearranging too...but wait, look at that closet again, this is the scary part (no not the overflowing laundry basket that I couldn't manage to crop)...all of the shirts are arranged by color. Long sleeves on the left, short on the right, perfectly color coordinated. Should we start therapy now, or wait until puberty?
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Just fed my addiction
Goodwill. Seriously, this place is like a drug to me, if I'm within a 5 mile radius of one (and I DO know every location), I absolutely without a doubt, even if we're cutting in to nap time, dinnertime, rush hour time, have to stop in. Unfortunately, for my kids a "stop" in is never less than an hour. I have to make sure and check my regular spots (this is a MUST)...furniture, housewares, toys, and on days when I have MORE than an hour, the books. The books get me every time. This place is a mecca for books. I will never, ever buy another full price book from that horribly overpriced store that I will not mention ever again. People, GO TO GOODWILL!!! I can buy my kids any book they want guilt free. There is something very powerful about allowing your children to have any book they want and watching them devour the enitre book section in search of the perfect books. 9 times out of 10, they end up picking something educational.
My last trip to Goodwill, I found an entire Hooked on Phonics Set, Brand New, up to date, everything still sealed in plastic, PLUS the additional companion set for ahem $8.99. The same set sells for $200.
My catch of the day:
Crainium, Baloon Lagoon game
Excellent educational game for kids 5 and up, New, all pieces accounted for and in perfect condition.
Paid: $5.99
Amazon: $16.99 (on sale)
Endangered wildlife book, hardback
Paid: $9.99 (this is pricey for Goodwill, but awesome book that Ash picked out)
FireFly Books: $35.00
My Math Manipulatives
Major score! Several wipe off workboards that can be used with a BUNCH of really good manipulatives. Includes manipulatives for fractions of a circle, inches, shapes, beans, numberlines, a clock (including digital manipulatives) and much more.
As an added bonus, it turned me on to Harcourt products, which have excellent educational supplies.
Paid: $1.99
Harcourt: $10.99
Ahhhh, my addiction has been fed. Now really, can ya blame me?
My last trip to Goodwill, I found an entire Hooked on Phonics Set, Brand New, up to date, everything still sealed in plastic, PLUS the additional companion set for ahem $8.99. The same set sells for $200.
My catch of the day:
Crainium, Baloon Lagoon game
Excellent educational game for kids 5 and up, New, all pieces accounted for and in perfect condition.
Paid: $5.99
Amazon: $16.99 (on sale)
Endangered wildlife book, hardback
Paid: $9.99 (this is pricey for Goodwill, but awesome book that Ash picked out)
FireFly Books: $35.00
My Math Manipulatives
Major score! Several wipe off workboards that can be used with a BUNCH of really good manipulatives. Includes manipulatives for fractions of a circle, inches, shapes, beans, numberlines, a clock (including digital manipulatives) and much more.
As an added bonus, it turned me on to Harcourt products, which have excellent educational supplies.
Paid: $1.99
Harcourt: $10.99
Ahhhh, my addiction has been fed. Now really, can ya blame me?
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Happy Two Double-Oh Seven!
It's been so long since I updated, I figure today would be a great day for a fresh start.
Things I neglected to Blog about over the past 3 (holy COW THREE!!??) months...(this is my attempt at blogger time travel)
1. Alex's 5th Birthday at Texas Jumping Beans.
2. Halloween
3. Ashley's Braces
4. Ashley in the choir- Well, Mark and I have sadly discovered that Ashley is in no way, shape or form our child. First off, the girl can sing, a talent that Mark and I certainly don't possess. Secondly, she tried out for and was chosen for a solo in the school choir. Who is this kid??
5. A fabulous first Thanksgiving with family at our home.
6. My new working from home opportunity - My old boss called me up and asked if I'd be interested in a part time contract position working from home. I'm working 3-4 hours a day now and so, so thankful for this wonderful opportunity. I'm hoping this opens up a new option for me once Alex goes to Kindergarten next year. I have already decided I WILL be home when my kiddos get home from school, and it looks like this could possibly be just what I need to work my way in to.
7. Christmas
8. New Years
The past year has brought so many wonderful new opportunities...not too many struggles to handle, but like I always say, just enough to make us appreciate what we have in this beautiful life. David added a new precious member to our family. Sweet Keller has no idea how lucky he is to be born in to such an amazing family and to have two AWESOME parents. His life will be an amazing adventure with those two!
All in all, life is going oh so well for our little family. Not a day goes by that Mark and I don't stop and smile at how incredibly fortunate we are. We have so many wonderful people in our lives and we continue to grow and learn from each of them. Sometimes I feel as if I'm watching someone else's life unfold, because it's so hard to believe that I could possibly have this much joy.
In 2006 we were fortunate enough to become close friends with many new people. Although we've moved away from Leander, we have become closer to the Ford's than we ever were when they were just a few blocks away. Brian and Paula have to be two of the most selfless people I've ever met. They continue to amaze me with their love and generousity towards our entire family. I hope we can find a way to touch their lives like they have ours.
Two double-oh seven has a lot to live up to. I can't imagine how we could top double-oh six! Onward!
Things I neglected to Blog about over the past 3 (holy COW THREE!!??) months...(this is my attempt at blogger time travel)
1. Alex's 5th Birthday at Texas Jumping Beans.
2. Halloween
3. Ashley's Braces
4. Ashley in the choir- Well, Mark and I have sadly discovered that Ashley is in no way, shape or form our child. First off, the girl can sing, a talent that Mark and I certainly don't possess. Secondly, she tried out for and was chosen for a solo in the school choir. Who is this kid??
5. A fabulous first Thanksgiving with family at our home.
6. My new working from home opportunity - My old boss called me up and asked if I'd be interested in a part time contract position working from home. I'm working 3-4 hours a day now and so, so thankful for this wonderful opportunity. I'm hoping this opens up a new option for me once Alex goes to Kindergarten next year. I have already decided I WILL be home when my kiddos get home from school, and it looks like this could possibly be just what I need to work my way in to.
7. Christmas
8. New Years
The past year has brought so many wonderful new opportunities...not too many struggles to handle, but like I always say, just enough to make us appreciate what we have in this beautiful life. David added a new precious member to our family. Sweet Keller has no idea how lucky he is to be born in to such an amazing family and to have two AWESOME parents. His life will be an amazing adventure with those two!
All in all, life is going oh so well for our little family. Not a day goes by that Mark and I don't stop and smile at how incredibly fortunate we are. We have so many wonderful people in our lives and we continue to grow and learn from each of them. Sometimes I feel as if I'm watching someone else's life unfold, because it's so hard to believe that I could possibly have this much joy.
In 2006 we were fortunate enough to become close friends with many new people. Although we've moved away from Leander, we have become closer to the Ford's than we ever were when they were just a few blocks away. Brian and Paula have to be two of the most selfless people I've ever met. They continue to amaze me with their love and generousity towards our entire family. I hope we can find a way to touch their lives like they have ours.
Two double-oh seven has a lot to live up to. I can't imagine how we could top double-oh six! Onward!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Rewind-Backup-Overdue-Oopsie
I typed this up 2 months ago, saved it and neglected to complete the entry. Here it is anywho.
(Ok, my pics are not uploading, I'm tired, going to bed, will deal with this in the morning)
Rewind-School of Alex stuff
It’s been too long, I know, I am bad, I am not worthy of keeping a Blog. Tis life, and this life is mine. Better late than never, right? If I ever get a tattoo, that is what it will read. Since my last entry we have been super busy. Mark (I mean WE) got a new truck. A super sweet truck. Black F150 Lariat Supercrew 4 door. Very clean, leather interior super horrible gas mileage. Who could ask for more. Lets see...I've dug up a gazillion bush roots and planted new bushies, some of which are transplanted nandinas from mom's yard that Ashley planted as a bitty girl. Aw, so sweet. I planted two Chinese Pistache trees, and transplanted one mountain laurel from our old house...shhh, that's our secret. There is so much more to do outside. It will all come together. We're also in the process of painting the kitchen. We have three different colors up right now, but I think we've narrowed it down, and will hopefully get started this weekend. Tonight Mark and I went to the tile place and ordered our tile!!!!!!!!!!! Our kitchen floors will look like dook no longer! I can't wait to mop my floors and watch them come clean! Imagine that! The master bath will follow soon behind. Oh, oh, oh, other news, I can't believe I'm saving this for last, oh wait, I'm going to save that for another entry. Hehe! I'm just mean. (edited Jan. 1st to add...Braces, she got braces!)
Ok, so rewind a bit to the adventures of staying home with Alex. Our playgroup is very active, we do lots of fun stuff, but most of all we’re socializing our kiddos along with ourselves. We have at least two get togethers a week. (Throw in Gymnasics on Wednesdays and Storytime on Thursdays and now it's quite obvious why I have ZERO time to Blog) Anywho, here are some pics I took at the Austin Science and Nature Center in the Dino Pit. Our little scientist had the opportunity to dig up dino bones while playing in the sand. What fun!
Ok, phew, I'm caught up for now...
(Ok, my pics are not uploading, I'm tired, going to bed, will deal with this in the morning)
Rewind-School of Alex stuff
It’s been too long, I know, I am bad, I am not worthy of keeping a Blog. Tis life, and this life is mine. Better late than never, right? If I ever get a tattoo, that is what it will read. Since my last entry we have been super busy. Mark (I mean WE) got a new truck. A super sweet truck. Black F150 Lariat Supercrew 4 door. Very clean, leather interior super horrible gas mileage. Who could ask for more. Lets see...I've dug up a gazillion bush roots and planted new bushies, some of which are transplanted nandinas from mom's yard that Ashley planted as a bitty girl. Aw, so sweet. I planted two Chinese Pistache trees, and transplanted one mountain laurel from our old house...shhh, that's our secret. There is so much more to do outside. It will all come together. We're also in the process of painting the kitchen. We have three different colors up right now, but I think we've narrowed it down, and will hopefully get started this weekend. Tonight Mark and I went to the tile place and ordered our tile!!!!!!!!!!! Our kitchen floors will look like dook no longer! I can't wait to mop my floors and watch them come clean! Imagine that! The master bath will follow soon behind. Oh, oh, oh, other news, I can't believe I'm saving this for last, oh wait, I'm going to save that for another entry. Hehe! I'm just mean. (edited Jan. 1st to add...Braces, she got braces!)
Ok, so rewind a bit to the adventures of staying home with Alex. Our playgroup is very active, we do lots of fun stuff, but most of all we’re socializing our kiddos along with ourselves. We have at least two get togethers a week. (Throw in Gymnasics on Wednesdays and Storytime on Thursdays and now it's quite obvious why I have ZERO time to Blog) Anywho, here are some pics I took at the Austin Science and Nature Center in the Dino Pit. Our little scientist had the opportunity to dig up dino bones while playing in the sand. What fun!
Ok, phew, I'm caught up for now...
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